What if the UK isn’t as well protected as we think? A heated parliamentary exchange has thrust the nation’s missile defence strategy into the spotlight, raising questions about its readiness to meet modern threats.
During a recent session, Conservative MP Julia Lopez of Hornchurch and Upminster put the government on the spot, referencing alarming reports that NATO is concerned about the UK’s role in the European missile shield. Her question cut to the heart of the matter: “There were reports over the weekend of NATO worries that the UK is not contributing enough to the European defensive shield. That leaves us vulnerable to a missile attack. What assurance can [the Minister] provide that he will look at our defence spending commitments with sufficient speed to provide good enough defence for our country?”
Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard didn’t shy away from the challenge, admitting that gaps in capability exist while pointing to shortcomings inherited from previous administrations. “The hon. Lady is right to raise the capability gaps that this Government inherited from the Government she served in,” he remarked.
Pollard offered reassurance that the ongoing Strategic Defence Review (SDR), due to conclude in the spring, will tackle these issues head-on. He promised the review would prioritise closing capability gaps, supporting British industry, and strengthening national and allied security.
A Wake-Up Call from Ukraine
Lopez’s concerns echo findings from a damning House of Lords report published last year, which described the UK’s missile defence capabilities as urgently needing improvement. Titled “Ukraine: A Wake-Up Call,” the report highlighted the stark lessons of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, particularly the importance of integrated air and missile defence (IAMD).
Lord de Mauley, Chair of the International Relations and Defence Committee, pulled no punches. “Successive governments have attempted to maintain the notion of the UK as a global power, but the war in Ukraine has been a wake-up call, laying bare the gap between that ambition and reality,” he warned.
The report argued that air and missile defence is no longer a luxury but an essential pillar of modern warfare. While the UK’s geographic location offers some protection from short-range attacks, the Committee cautioned against complacency, noting vulnerabilities to long-range missiles, submarine-launched missiles, and munitions from stealth fighters.
Dependent on the US – A Dangerous Position?
One of the report’s most scathing critiques was the UK’s heavy reliance on the United States for missile defence. The Committee labelled this dependence “unsustainable,” highlighting the lack of expertise and munitions stock across European NATO members to suppress enemy air defences effectively.
The solution? Greater collaboration with European allies. The German-led European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) presents an opportunity for the UK to integrate into a broader defence network. The report urged the government to assess the merits of joining ESSI and to prioritise interoperability and joint procurement with NATO allies to fill existing gaps.
Progress, but Not Fast Enough
While there have been positive developments such as plans to upgrade the Sea Viper air defence system by 2028 and the Ministry of Defence’s DIAMOND initiative to improve coordination with European allies the report noted that these efforts remain in their infancy. The Committee called for greater urgency and investment, pointing to NATO’s 2023 Vilnius summit, where commitments were made to enhance air defence readiness.
Lord de Mauley cautioned that the UK’s current pace is insufficient. “These developments are welcome, but they require significant time, prioritisation, and financial investment to mature,” he said.
Beyond Missiles: Protecting Critical Infrastructure
Missile defence isn’t the only area of concern. The report also highlighted risks to the UK’s critical national infrastructure (CNI), drawing parallels with Russia’s attacks on Ukraine’s energy grids and other vital systems. Hybrid and conventional threats, such as cyber and electromagnetic warfare, are growing concerns for the UK.
“Russia has targeted Ukraine’s critical national infrastructure through hybrid and conventional attacks, and the UK is not exempt from these threats,” the report warned, calling for a comprehensive, government-wide effort to bolster national resilience.
The Road Ahead
As the UK awaits the results of the Strategic Defence Review, one thing is clear: the stakes are higher than ever. With NATO’s concerns about the UK’s contributions to European defence and vulnerabilities laid bare, there’s little room for delay.
Will the government rise to the challenge, ensuring that the UK’s missile defences are fit for purpose in an increasingly volatile world? The coming months and the spring review will provide the answer.
